Staying safe in the sun while out and about this summer

Marie Westmoreland-Thornhill

Fair hair and sunshine is not a good mix. Trust me I know, I’ve had my fair share of sunburn.

Scorched pink skin, burning blisters and peeling that lasts for days, is not a good look.

the best way to protect your self when out and about is by using the highest sun protection factor (SPF) possible

I have learn’t the hard way, so now when the sun makes an appearance I’m the first to smother myself in sun cream, unlike some, who prefer to bask all day until they crisp.

You only have to look at people’s social media ‘tan’ posts to see us Northerners don’t care too much for sun cream when on our home turf compared to when we jet off on holiday.

But, regardless of whether we are in sunny Spain or enjoying a day along the sea front here, sun burn shouldn’t be looked at lightly.

Although it’s short-lived and can be soothed with after sun, it’s important to try to avoid it, because it can increase your chances of developing serious health problems, such as skin cancer, later in life.

And, with a heat wave predicted and temperatures set to soar into the nineties, now is the time to get sun savvy and make sure you and your family are protected during the two-week sizzler. Experts claim that there’s no sun cream on the market that will protect you 100 per cent from the harmful rays.

So, the best way to protect your self when out and about is by using the highest sun protection factor (SPF) possible - 50 SPF. Broad-spectrum sunscreens are best as they protect against harmful UVA and UVB rays. Star ratings indicate how UVA protection is measured. Stars range from 0 to 5 - the highest providing the best protection.

Make sure you apply a good layer of sun cream at least 30 minutes before you go into the sun and top it up every two hours.

If you’re in and out of the sea, even waterproof creams need reapplying too.

Regardless of skin type, anyone can burn if exposed to sun to long. So rather than spending sunbathing, take a break during peak hours when the sun is at it’s strongest - during 11am and 3pm. Use this time to head in doors for a drink or bite to eat.

If you can’t go indoors to escape the sun, cover up with loose clothing, pop on a hat and some sunglasses and find shade.